Category: European Union

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £5,000 of illegal vapes and tobacco seized
Source: City of York

Published Thursday, 6 February 2025

Council and police officers visited a business in Clifton last week, where nearly £5,000 of noncompliant vapes and illicit tobacco was found and seized.
The illegal items found and taken have an estimated retail value of £4,941.25:

177 noncompliant vapes with a retail value of £2,124

2,250 counterfeit and illicit cigarettes valued at £731

1,450g of counterfeit and illicit hand rolling tobacco valued at £2,086.

These products will be investigated, and appropriate legal action taken. The officers had the help of a sniffer dog, a spaniel called Mostyn.

Cllr Jenny Kent, Executive Member with portfolio for Trading Standards at City of York Council, said:

Tobacco kills hundreds of people in York every year, and the illicit market in tobacco and vapes makes harmful products cheaper and more easily available, especially to those below the legal age limit.

“Illicit vapes are becoming much more prevalent and are partly responsible for the rise in young people vaping – our public health advice is that while we support e-cigarettes as effective quit aids for adults to stop smoking, people who don’t smoke shouldn’t vape.

“This is why it is so important that you report concerns. Information from members of the public, investigation, and action by Council and police officers is essential to protect public health and enforce proper regulations.”

Sergeant Stuart Henderson of North Yorkshire Police, said:

This is the result of joint working with our Trading Standards colleagues at City of York Council. It is the second successful operation that we have conducted with Trading Standards in Clifton as part of our Clear, Hold Build initiative.

“The work shows we will work with all our law enforcement partners to disrupt and deter criminality and to make Clifton and the City of York no place for criminals.”

How to spot an illegal vape

Check the packaging for the following tell-tale signs that a disposable vape may be illegal:

the health warning should have these exact words: ‘This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance’ and should cover 1/3rd of the front and rear of the packaging

a ‘puff count’ of over 600 – illegal vapes may have higher puff counts

a pod or refill should be no larger than 10ml

a tank should have no more than 2ml or multiple 2ml ‘pods’

a nicotine content above 2% (20mg or 20ml)

no UK address for an importer/manufacturer.

Anyone concerned about unregulated vapes or tobacco being sold can:

contact City of York Council’s Trading Standards team on telephone: 08082 231133 or email: public.protection@york.gov.uk

call North Yorkshire Police on telephone: 101 and pass information to the Force Control Room

if you prefer to remain anonymous, pass information to Crimestoppers on telephone: 0800 555 111

Find support to stop smoking online or email: cychealthtrainers@york.gov.uk for an appointment.
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Phenomenal figures released for York’s Park & Ride

Source: City of York

Figures released today show that 2024 was the busiest year for York’s Park & Ride since 2017, with the total number of journeys exceeding 4.5 million, almost one million higher than in 2023.

December saw the most trips for a decade, recording nearly 500,000 journeys, a 3.5% increase on the previous highest monthly total set in December 2016.

City of York Council estimates that people boarding at the Park & Ride sites in December resulted in over 61,700 cars not travelling into central York – equivalent to a line of traffic that would be long enough to reach central London.

In December, First Bus sold 148,310 tickets at the Park & Ride sites alone (the remaining journeys being people who joined the bus along the route or were returning from the city centre). Industry standard definition of occupancy per car for a leisure trip is 2.4 people. This gives us a total of 61,700 cars that didn’t come into the city centre over Christmas. Google Maps shows that the road route from York Minster to Westminster Abbey is 210 miles. If we say a car takes up 6 metres of space on the road, 61,700 times 6 metres is 230 miles. Therefore, 61,700 cars would stretch all the way to central London.

York’s Enhanced Bus Partnership, which oversees £17.2 million of government funding for the Bus Service Improvement Plan, ran a marketing campaign to promote the Park & Ride as well as direct bus services for six weeks before Christmas. Working with Make It York and all bus operators, the social media posts and adverts reached over 2.2 million people in a campaign targeting towns and cities where previous research has shown Christmas Market visitors come from.

Councillor Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Economy and Transport at City of York Council, said:

Just shy of half a million journeys in one month is an incredible milestone to reach, so thank you to all the residents and visitors for using the Park & Ride, and thank you to First Bus for increasing the number of buses available during this incredibly busy period.

First Bus invested in more services on the network in November and December, increasing frequency on several routes to support the York local and visitor economy in anticipation of customer demand. First Bus replicates this investment during other busy periods to keep York visitors and commuters moving sustainably throughout the year.

Cllr Ravilious continued:

The numbers are phenomenal but we do also need to recognise that York still experienced congested streets in the run up to Christmas, so while we are delighted, we continue our work throughout the year to support and promote the city’s bus services as well as other sustainable forms of transport.

“Our young people’s ticketing and marketing campaigns, which and are funded by central government, have over the last 12 months helped make bus use more attractive and given more people more options, and we will soon be consulting on improvements to the Park & Ride sites.”

Kayleigh Ingham, Commercial Director of First Bus North & West Yorkshire, said:

The superb performance throughout 2024 is a tribute to the commitment and high standards of service delivered by the First Bus team.

“We’ve demonstrated that bus is an easy and sustainable way to travel into York. We’re attracting more customers due to good value fares, zero-emission buses, and our service, which is delivered with a smile. The benefits this brings, with cleaner air and quieter city centre roads, contributes to York’s environmental targets.”

Sarah Loftus, Managing Director of Make It York, said:

It is wonderful to see the great results for bus travel for the year and 500,000 journeys during the Christmas period is fantastic.

“We are very fortunate to have a bus service within the city that supports both demand and sustainability. Collaboration between all parties on communicating key messages was key and we look forward to working with and supporting the transport sector throughout 2025.”

These Park & Ride figures follow the Department for Transport’s own statistics released late in 2024 which show that York’s bus services as a whole (including all local services and the Park & Ride) are once again in the top ten of all local authorities for the number of bus trips per resident. An average of 70.6 journeys per head of population in 2023 and 2024 ranks York the best in Yorkshire and nationally sits 9th out of 90 English local authority areas.

The data also showed that York’s bus trips are up 35% from 2021 and 2022, almost quadrupled from 2020 and 2021 and now back within 3% of the level they were in 2019 and 2020 (the year before COVID-19). This is one of the best post-pandemic recovery rates in the country.

In addition to December’s figures, November 2024 was the busiest November ever recorded, with 10% more passengers than the previous record set in 2016.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council Takes a Significant Step in its Commitment to Anti-Racism

Source: City of Liverpool

Liverpool City Council is pleased to announce a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to addressing racial inequality by appointing a leading diversity and inclusion organisation, Inclusivitii, to support the development of a bold, anti-racism strategy for the city and council.

This marks a pivotal moment in the Council’s efforts to foster a more inclusive, fair, and united Liverpool.

Racism remains a deep-rooted issue in the city, impacting areas such as health, education, and employment. Despite Liverpool’s rich and diverse history, many individuals still face barriers.

The Council, alongside its partners, is dedicated to tackling these challenges through meaningful action, ensuring that residents, service users and employees, regardless of background, have the opportunity to thrive.

The strategy is set for launch in September 2025. In the months ahead, there will be public consultations offering residents, community groups, businesses, and employees the opportunity to actively contribute to shaping the approach.

Throughout this process, the Council’s Safer and Stronger Communities Team will continue to support and empower communities, embedding anti-racism principles across the city.

In addition to shaping the city-wide strategy, Inclusivitii will also collaborate with Liverpool City Council to help the organisation become an actively anti-racist organisation.

This work will include reviewing internal policies, practices, and structures to ensure fairness, inclusion, and racial equity in decision-making at all levels.

By nurturing an inclusive culture within its own organisation, the Council aims to set a powerful example and drive transformation across the city.

Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said:

“We are delighted to appoint Inclusivitii to work with us on our transformative anti-racism strategy for the city. Their expertise is essential in helping us create a more inclusive city.

“I would also like to thank everyone who has supported this process, including Alison Navarro, Programme Director of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Race Equality Hub, and Moni Akinsanya, Associate Director for Diversity and Inclusion at Liverpool John Moores University. Their invaluable guidance, along with input from various community organisations, has been crucial throughout the procurement process.

“Being anti-racist isn’t just about recognising inequality and inequity, it’s about actively challenging and eradicating it. Liverpool City Council is committed to driving this change with urgency, transparency, and accountability.

“To make this strategy truly impactful, the voices of Liverpool’s communities must be at the heart of the work. I encourage all residents, community groups, businesses and employees to engage and contribute.”

Andrew Lewis, Chief Executive of Liverpool City Council, said:

“This appointment highlights the Council’s commitment to addressing racial inequality and bringing about lasting change, both across the city and within our own organisation.

“As we work toward creating an anti-racist Liverpool, the Council is committed to leading by example. We will continuously examine our internal structures to ensure fairness, inclusion, and racial equity are embedded in every aspect of decision-making.

“By listening to and learning from those who experience racism first-hand, we aim to create a strategy that not only highlights the challenges but also provides real, sustainable solutions for long-term change.”

Aduke Onafowokan from Inclusivitii said:

“Every once in a while, an opportunity arises to make a meaningful impact, one that honours the incredible work already done while unlocking new possibilities for progress. For us, this is such an opportunity to serve communities and individuals.

“We recognise that being anti-racist requires a lasting shift in how we think, behave, and perceive the world around us. It is, therefore, a profound honour to support Liverpool City Council, building on the inspiring work already undertaken by the organisation, to co-produce a strategy that truly reflects the voices, lived experiences, and aspirations of its communities.

“This will move us forward towards a future where racial equity and equality are not just ambitions but a lived reality. Thank you again for this incredible opportunity.”

More information about Inclusivitii can be found at https://www.inclusivitii.com.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Homegrown hit comedy returns

Source: City of Liverpool

One of ITVX’s most successful-ever comedies is set to return to the small screen tonight, thanks to Liverpool Film Office.

G’wed will be back for a second series at 10.05pm Thursday 6 February and is the tenth project to receive investment from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s LCR Production Fund which is facilitated by Liverpool City Council’s Film Office.

The first season aired in 2024 and has been streamed over six million times.

Written by Liverpool’s Danny Kenny and produced by Golden Path Productions, filming for the second series took place in Wirral and Liverpool for five weeks last summer. As part of the production fund agreement, it supported six trainees from the Film Office’s skills initiative Action!, which saw the industry-newcomers hone skills as assistant directors, and take up roles in costume, props, locations, make-up and sound departments.

The £3 million, LCR Production Fund is was launched by Mayor Steve Rotheram in 2019, and has to date invested in 10 high-end TV dramas including This City Is Ours, the Time series 1 and 2 – the first of which won a BAFTA – and Emmy Award-winning The Responder.

The Action! initiative has been made possible through £2.3m of BFI National Lottery funding which was awarded to Screen Alliance North, a new skills cluster partnership delivered by Liverpool Film Office, North East Screen, Screen Manchester and Screen Yorkshire.

The partnership aims to make the screen sector more accessible and to help build a thriving and skilled workforce across the North of England.

For more information head to the Liverpool Film Office website.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:

“When I launched the LCR Production Fund, I wanted to help establish the Liverpool City Region as the ‘Hollywood of the North.’ We’ve already begun to see that pay off, supporting a number of award-winning productions.

“This investment isn’t just about making great TV—though G’wed has clearly been a hit – it’s about creating opportunities for local people, supporting our economy, and showing the world what our region can do. I’m really proud to see how our funding is helping to nurture the next generation of talent and put our region at the heart of the UK’s creative industry.”

Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:

“This investment has helped provide opportunities for local crew and trainees – some of who were given the first step on their film and TV career ladder.

“The fund has helped bring so much to our region, from the economy to providing opportunities for local people to flourish in a career they could have only dreamt of.

“It is fantastic what has been achieved here and hope that the impact of the fund continues for many years to come.”

Action! trainee and Chargehand props on G’wed 2, Ciaran Dow Jones said: “During my placement, I worked in dressing props, which gave me great hands-on experience in creating sets and managing prop storage.

“Everyone had a real laugh on set and there was great teamwork amongst the cast and crew. The best part was the fun atmosphere – every day on set was exciting.

“Moving forward, I want to keep developing my skills in the art department while also exploring other roles in film and TV, with the goal of becoming a director one day.”

Head of Liverpool Film Office, Lynn Saunders said:

“We’re proud to have invested in the second series of G’wed and I know that it will build on the success of the first which was a hit for audiences.

“Having filmed in Wirral and Liverpool, and being solely based in Wirral, we are proud to have worked closely with Wirral Council colleagues to make this series possible. “We’re looking forward to tuning in on Thursday along with thousands of others.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Hop inside Miffy’s world as museum celebrates iconic character’s birthday

Source: City of Leeds

One of the world’s most beloved bunnies has hopped into Leeds City Museum this week, inviting visitors to celebrate a very special birthday.

From Friday (Feb 7) museum-goers can step inside the world of international phenomenon Miffy, the adorable rabbit created by Dutch artist and illustrator Dick Bruna, as the iconic character marks her 70^th anniversary with a new exhibition.

The exhibition features a collection of screen prints, films, pencil drawings, paintings, original book designs and Miffy merchandise from across the world alongside stop motion models from the TV series Miffy and Friends.

The interactive exhibition, which is free to visit, will bring Miffy to life through giant versions of some of the illustrated icon’s most popular books, inviting visitors to enter Miffy’s world, play hide and seek among the trees and use their imaginations to create their own stories using puppets, drawings and colour.

A collaboration with Mercis, the global brand owner of Miffy, the concept for the exhibition began in 2022 when Leeds Museums and Galleries won a prestigious European award for its learning programmes.

The trophy awarded to the service was a bronze sculpture of Miffy created by Dick Bruna’s youngest son, Marc Bruna.

Matt Storey, Leeds City Museum’s principal keeper, said: “It’s a real joy to welcome such a world-famous character to Leeds and for the museum to be playing an important part in celebrating 70 years of both Miffy and Dick Bruna’s unique art, life and legacy.

“As well as marking a huge milestone for Miffy, the exhibition is a great chance for families to come together at the museum and step into a world of play and imagination which they can explore and be inspired by.”

Originally created on June 21, 1955, Bruna first drew Miffy to entertain his young son whilst on a rainy seaside holiday in Holland, telling him stories about a rabbit which ran around the garden of their holiday home.

The acclaimed series of picture books which followed used simple illustrations and rhyming text to explore universal childhood themes, with Miffy becoming globally synonymous with friendship, innocence, fun and design.

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “This exhibition is a fantastic opportunity for different generations to come together at the museum and celebrate a character who has been a part of so many childhoods all across the world.

“Leeds City Museum is the ideal place for such a family-friendly exhibition and we’re really looking forward to welcoming families in the coming months.”

The Leeds City Museum exhibition will run from February 7 until September 7, 2025, and is free to visit.

A programme of Miffy themed events and activities will take place throughout February half term and the museum will be celebrating Miffy’s official birthday in June.

After Leeds, the exhibition will move to Time and Tide Museum of Great Yarmouth Life.

For more details, please visit: Miffy’s 70th Birthday | Leeds Museums and Galleries | Days out and exhibitions

ENDS

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Report highlights work in Leeds to meet increasing demand for foster carers
Source: City of Leeds

A new report has highlighted the extensive work in Leeds to recruit and support foster carers as the city strives to meet an ever-increasing demand for placements to help change the lives of looked after children.
The annual fostering report, to be discussed by senior councillors at next Wednesday’s executive board meeting (February 12), gives an update of the innovative work and progress of services that support the city’s foster and kinship carers.

Leeds City Council’s fostering service, Foster 4 Leeds, plays a crucial role in supporting over 400 fostering placements and 350 children living with kinship or connected carers across Leeds.

However, as is the case nationally, the need for more foster carers is continuing to rise and recruitment is a significant priority in Leeds.

This year, breakthrough work and plans have included:

Successfully recruiting 113 new carers, including 88 new kinship carers, allowing children to remain within their family – a key aim in Leeds wherever possible.

A wide-reaching recruitment campaign has also seen expressions of interest significantly increase – with an average of 45 per month from September 2024 onwards.

Recruitment of two new full-time roles to bolster engagement and partnership work to support recruitment and retention of carers.

Plans to engage wider communities and recruit carers from ethnically diverse backgrounds, working in conjunction with Child Friendly Leeds in holding ambassadors events to break down barriers and raise awareness of the opportunities.

The launch of a new dedicated Foster 4 Leeds website, showcasing benefits and detailed information on the different types of fostering available.

A new ‘reunification’ service – which aims to reunite children with their birth families, while supported by foster carers – is now up and running and is supporting children to be safely returned home.

A full programme of enrichment activities and family fun days for foster families running throughout the year, particularly enhanced during school holidays when two to three activities are held each week. More opportunities will also soon be on the way, after the service held a network event with over 70 local and national companies and organisations offering their support to further boost benefits for foster carers and their families in Leeds.

Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for children and families, said: “Children do their best living in families and these proposals go a long way to enhance the health and wellbeing of our looked after children and ensure they grow and thrive in family environments.

“We are utterly committed to supporting all carers in this vital role and enabling fostering to be a rewarding experience, giving a real purpose to truly help change lives.

“I would encourage anyone interested to please take a look at our new website and consider joining our incredible legion of foster and kinship carers who provide that crucial consistency in care for our city’s vulnerable children.

“Being able to place children within Leeds has many benefits – not least enabling young people to retain strong relationships with their birth family, continue at school and access all the benefits of living within our child friendly city.”

To view the annual fostering report being considered by the executive board visit Council and democracy (agenda item 10).

For more information on fostering in Leeds, please visit: Foster 4 Leeds | Foster 4 Leeds.

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact:

Leeds City Council communications and marketing,

Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk

Tel: 0113 378 6007
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI: Ress Life Investments A/S publishes financial calendar
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Ress Life Investments A/S
Nybrogade 12
DK-1203 Copenhagen K
Denmark
CVR nr. 33593163
www.resslifeinvestments.com
To: Nasdaq Copenhagen
Date: 7 February 2025

Corporate Announcement 05/2025

Ress Life Investments A/S publishes financial calendar

The current financial year runs from 1 January to 31 December.

Financial Calendar

19th March 2025 Annual Report ending 31 December 2024

16th April 2025 Annual General Meeting

9th September 2025 Interim financial statement for the period from 1 January 2025 through 30 June 2025

Questions related to this announcement can be made to the company’s AIF-manager, Resscapital AB.

Contact person:
Gustaf Hagerud
gustaf.hagerud@resscapital.com
Tel + 46 8 545 282 27

Attachment
- Ress Life Investments AS – Company Announcement financial calendar 2025
The MIL Network –
February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Valour Digital Securities Limited: BaFin threatens to impose coercive fines

Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

On 22 January 2025, the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) ordered Valour Digital Securities Limited to comply with the financial reporting requirements under the German Securities Trading Act (Wertpapierhandelsgesetz – WpHG). In case the company fails to comply with this order, BaFin also threatened to impose coercive fines in the amount of 57,500 euros.

The notice is immediately enforceable but not yet final and binding.

Background information: financial reporting requirements

Companies such as Valour Digital Securities Limited that are domiciled in a third country and that issue securities that are traded on an organised market in Germany must prepare annual financial reports as at the end of each financial year. This information must be made publicly available no later than four months after the end of each financial year.

Before publication, companies must publish an announcement informing the public and BaFin about the date from which and the website on which the information will be available.
Valour Digital Securities Limited contravened these requirements since it failed to publish an annual financial report for the financial year 2023 as legally required minimum components are missing. The company also failed to publish an announcement in respect of this.

The announcement by BaFin is also set out by law and is based on section 124 of the WpHG.

MIL OSI Economics –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Xi Jinping’s vision drives China’s winter sports boom

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Feb. 6 — As winter settles across China, excitement for winter sports is in full swing, with skiers carving down slopes and ice skaters gliding across rinks from north to south. Enthusiasm is especially high as the 9th Asian Winter Games opens Friday in Harbin, marking another milestone for China’s winter sports development.

At the heart of this movement is Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose lifelong passion for sports has fueled the rapid expansion of winter activities nationwide.

The foundation for this boom was laid more than a decade ago when Xi, attending the Sochi Winter Olympics, met with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach. During their meeting, Xi set an ambitious goal: to engage 300 million people in winter sports. That vision has since become a reality.

By April 2024, following the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, around 313 million people – over 22% of China’s population – had actively participated in ice and snow activities.

FROM CHILDHOOD PASSION TO NATIONAL LEGACY

Xi’s love for winter sports dates back to his childhood. In the 1950s and 1960s, skating on Beijing’s Shichahai Lake was a popular winter pastime. Young Xi often rushed home from school to skate on the frozen lake.

That early connection to winter sports evolved into a national mission. Historically, winter sports in China were largely confined to the colder northern regions and were practiced in harsh conditions. Xi sought to change that.

From the successful bid for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics to the Games’ execution, Xi played a leading role. Between 2015 and 2022, he visited Olympic venues in Beijing and Zhangjiakou five times, overseeing venue construction, management, and volunteer operations. During a 2021 inspection visit, he emphasized using the Winter Olympics as a catalyst to elevate the nation’s ice and snow sports culture.

Beijing’s hosting of the Winter Games proved transformative. Today, seniors and children alike are skating and skiing in places where snow was once rare. Increased investment in facilities has made winter sports more accessible and affordable.

By the end of 2023, the number of winter sports venues in China had reached 2,847, a 16.1% year-over-year increase, with new facilities even emerging in southern regions.

Xi’s vision for China’s winter sports development has reshaped the landscape. From his childhood struggles to afford skates to today’s youth training in state-of-the-art facilities, the progress is evident.

“You now have excellent training facilities and a wonderful environment to strengthen your bodies and foster teamwork and bravery,” Xi told young ice hockey players in 2017. “The future of China’s ice and snow sports depends on your generation.”

RISE OF ICE AND SNOW ECONOMY

The 9th Asian Winter Games, running from February 7 to 14 in Harbin, highlights China’s growing influence in global winter sports.

Xi has described the ice and snow industry as a “mountain of gold and silver,” emphasizing the need to leverage natural winter resources. His vision includes a comprehensive winter sports economy encompassing equipment manufacturing, tourism, and cultural industries.

China’s ice and snow economy is projected to exceed 1 trillion yuan (about 138 billion U.S. dollars) in 2025, with estimates reaching 1.2 trillion yuan by 2027 and 1.5 trillion yuan by 2030.

Last winter, China recorded more than 385 million winter leisure visits, a 38% year-over-year increase, with related revenue rising 50%.

Harbin, one of China’s top winter tourism destinations, welcomed 87 million visitors – up 300% year-over-year – generating 124.8 billion yuan in tourism revenue, a 500% increase.

China’s winter sports equipment industry is also expanding, bolstered by advancements in 5G, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality. The country now produces a full range of 15 ice and snow equipment categories, with innovations such as smart ski insoles, heated snow boots, and VR skiing simulators.

In 2023, Xi visited a village in Mohe, China’s northernmost city, and emphasized the importance of utilizing snow and ice resources for economic growth. Today, the village has become a top destination for southern tourists, reflecting a broader trend across the country.

Chongli, Hebei province, is a prime example of this transformation. Once a poverty-stricken area, it has become a world-renowned ski resort, with one in four locals now employed in winter sports-related jobs.

“The ultimate goal of building a sporting powerhouse and a healthy China is to strengthen people’s fitness,” Xi said. “This is also an essential part of China’s effort to build a modern socialist country in all respects.”

STRONGER GLOBAL TIES THROUGH WINTER SPORTS

Xi’s leadership in winter sports has not only transformed China’s ice and snow culture but has also fostered international cooperation. Through strategic policies and personal commitment, he has positioned sports as a bridge for global friendship and mutual understanding.

In August 2023, Xi wrote to the U.S.-China Youth and Student Exchange Association and friendly personages in the U.S. state of Washington, stating, “Sport is a bond that promotes friendship among peoples.” This principle has guided China’s efforts to use winter sports as a tool for diplomacy.

During a 2017 visit to Finland, Xi and then-Finnish President Sauli Niinisto met with Chinese and Finnish winter athletes, highlighting the role of sports in strengthening bilateral relations. Similarly, in 2018, Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin watched a youth ice hockey match in Tianjin, reinforcing China-Russia ties.

Beyond individual partnerships, China has collaborated with multiple Asian nations to promote winter sports by sharing expertise, resources, and experiences. The upcoming Asian Winter Games exemplifies this spirit of unity and cooperation, with Cambodia and Saudi Arabia making their debut at the Games.

At the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Xi underscored how the Games fostered global unity during challenging times. “It has also brought confidence and hope to a world overshadowed by instability,” he said, reinforcing the Games’ motto: “Together for a Shared Future.”

Xi’s contributions have long been recognized by the international sports community. IOC Vice President Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. praised his leadership, saying, “It’s great to have such an important partner for sports and international Olympic matters.”

Bach also commended Xi as a “true champion” with a clear vision for the role of sports in society.

MIL OSI China News –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Xi’s special representative to attend AI summit in France

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Feb. 7 — Chinese President Xi Jinping’s special representative Zhang Guoqing will travel to France from Feb. 9 to 12 for the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit at the invitation of the host, the Chinese foreign ministry announced on Friday.

Zhang is a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and a vice premier of the State Council.

MIL OSI China News –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tajikistan Parliamentary Elections: Joint Statement to the OSCE

Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

UK and others regret cancellation of OSCE election observation and call on Tajikistan to engage constructively with ODIHR.

Mr. Chair,

I am delivering this statement on behalf of the following participating States: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and my own country Canada.

We thank the European Union for adding this item to the agenda today.

In Istanbul in 1999, participating States committed to invite observers to elections from other participating States, ODIHR, and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, and to follow up on ODIHR’s election assessment and recommendations.

In this context, we deeply regret that the authorities of Tajikistan have not accredited OSCE/ODIHR election observers in a timely manner, nor made assurances that they would do so.

This has resulted in the cancellation of the ODIHR Election Observation Mission for the upcoming parliamentary elections and has denied the people of Tajikistan an impartial and independent assessment of the elections.

As ODIHR has stated, host governments need to provide the necessary conditions for the effective and unrestricted operation of election observation missions. Prolonged uncertainty surrounding accreditation undermines the integrity of the process.

Fulfilling these necessary conditions is an integral part of meeting OSCE commitments on the invitation of observers. We regret that not all OSCE participating States have chosen to uphold their commitments in this regard.

We thank ODIHR for its efforts in preparing and deploying the Election Observation Mission to Tajikistan. We fully support ODIHR’s mandate, autonomy and their well-proven and objective election monitoring methodology.

We encourage Tajikistan to engage constructively with ODIHR on previous election recommendations, as well as on ODIHR’s support for meeting OSCE commitments to strengthen democracy and human rights, including on free, fair and genuine elections.

Updates to this page

Published 7 February 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dates revealed as Coventry City Council hosts Godiva Festival 2025

Source: City of Coventry

Godiva Festival is set to make a triumphant return in 2025 as organisers reveal the awaited dates.

The festival will take place over three days in the summer from Friday 4 – Sunday 6 July 2025.

The event will see a weekend of music, entertainment and family-friendly fun in the city’s War Memorial Park.

Renowned for showcasing a diverse line-up of top-tier musical acts alongside the best of Coventry’s local talent, Godiva Festival is the highlights of the city’s event calendar.

Past line-ups have featured unforgettable performances from big name artists such as The Enemy, Mel C, Richard Ashcroft and Rudimental.

Tickets are set to go on sale in March. Details about ticket prices and the eagerly awaited line-up will be unveiled in the coming weeks, ensuring festival goers have time to plan for what promises to be a fantastic weekend.

Councillor Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader of Coventry City Council and Cabinet Member for Events, said: “I’m delighted to announce that Godiva Festival will be returning in 2025 and will be taking place in July.

“Last year we hosted an unforgettable 25^th Godiva Festival and we hope to build on that by putting the well-known names on stage alongside our fantastic local talent.

“As we eagerly anticipate the festival, it’s important to acknowledge the economic benefits it brings to Coventry, particularly in terms of tourism.

“We also recognise the financial pressures faced by our attendees and with that in mind, we remain committed to keeping prices as low as possible whilst delivering a high quality event.

“The festival continues to be fuelled by the incredible support and love from Coventrians and those who travel to the festival alike. It remains a pivotal part of our city’s cultural landscape and I hope both residents and visitors to the city see that it reflects the spirit of Coventry.

“We will be back soon with more information on ticket breakdown and pricing and of course to start sharing some of our line-up.”

Godiva Festival received an Improvers Certification from A Greener Future for sustainability measures in place at last year’s event.

Coventry College will again be the proud sponsors of the festival’s Family Field.

As the festival gears up for another amazing year, stay connected with the latest updates by visiting www.godivafestival.com.

Sign up for the free festival newsletter to be the first to find out about the line-up or follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Using AI to digitally twin a climate change frontier The University of Aberdeen has been awarded funding by the European Space Agency (ESA) to create a digital twin of the Arctic islands at the forefront of climate change.

Source: University of Aberdeen

The University of Aberdeen has been awarded funding by the European Space Agency (ESA) to create a digital twin of the Arctic islands at the forefront of climate change.
Aberdeen will lead the development of a real-time digital replica for the Norwegian archipelago Svalbard (SvalbardDT; www.svalbarddt.org), which is said to be warming six times faster than the global average.
Lying within the Arctic Circle, Svalbard is one of the areas where the visible consequences of climate change can be seen most clearly. The drastic decline in its ice areas over recent years has serious implications for wildlife, diminishing the natural hunting grounds of polar bears and increasing competition for resources affecting other Arctic species such as walruses, seals, and seabirds.
Svalbard lies at the boundary between the warm Atlantic and the cold Polar region, therefore even a small change in temperature can have a dramatic impact.
The warming seen in recent years has shifted this boundary and now Svalbard is responding much faster anticipated to climate change but understanding this requires greater understanding of the interconnections between different environments such as glaciers, sea ice, snow and weather that cannot be done with current tools.
The creation of a digital twin – designed to behave as closely as possible to its real-world counterpart – will enable these changes to be monitored in real time and forms part of ESAs ambitious goal to create a digital twin of the Earth, called Destination Earth (https://destination-earth.eu/).
Aberdeen researchers, working in collaboration with Swansea University, Svalbard Integrated Arctic Earth Observing System (SIOS), Norwegian Research Centre (NORCE), EarthWave, University of Edinburgh, and Uppsala University will develop real-time models of Svalbard’s ice and snow in order to generate more up-to-date information on their state.

Having a digital twin will enable us to see what is happening in real time, from anywhere in the world” Dr William Harcourt

Glaciologist Dr William Harcourt from the University of Aberdeen will lead the project. He said:
“Svalbard is really important in our understanding of climate change impacts on the fragile Arctic it is a location where we have seen accelerated warming.
“The creation of its digital twin is a major step forward in understanding the changes – and importantly the speed of change – happening there.
“Having a digital twin will enable us to see what is happening in real time, from anywhere in the world.
“Unlike isolated field campaigns that reflect data at one point in time and rely on new funding and logistical support to collect, we will use satellite data and develop real-time models of Svalbard’s snow and ice. The project will develop an end-to-end workflow to ingest data from satellites into Artificial Intelligence (AI) models and produce real-time data cubes describing Svalbard’s cryosphere.”
The project team develop tools for decision-making processes and to understand the impact of extreme weather events on Svalbard’s ice and snow. These will be developed in direct consultation with local stakeholders in Svalbard to ensure the new tool will provide tangible impacts to communities.
European space Agency funding of 400,000 Euros (£310,000) has been allocated to the Svalbard project.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI: Municipality Finance issues a GBP 25 million tap under its MTN programme

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Municipality Finance Plc
Stock exchange release
7 February 2025 at 10:00 am (EET)

Municipality Finance issues a GBP 25 million tap under its MTN programme

On 10 February 2025 Municipality Finance Plc issues a new tranche in an amount of GBP 25 million to an existing benchmark issued on 4 October 2023. With the new tranche, the aggregate nominal amount of the benchmark is GBP 275 million. The maturity date of the benchmark is 2 January 2026. The benchmark bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.000 % per annum.

The new tranche is issued under MuniFin’s EUR 50 billion programme for the issuance of debt instruments. The offering circular, the supplemental offering circular and final terms of the notes are available in English on the company’s website at https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/for-investors.

MuniFin has applied for the new tranche to be admitted to trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange maintained by Nasdaq Helsinki. The public trading is expected to commence on 10 February 2025. The existing notes in the series are admitted to trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange.

NatWest Markets N.V. acts as the Dealer for the issue of the new tranche.

MUNICIPALITY FINANCE PLC

Further information:

Joakim Holmström
Executive Vice President, Capital Markets and Sustainability
tel. +358 50 444 3638

MuniFin (Municipality Finance Plc) is one of Finland’s largest credit institutions. The owners of the company include Finnish municipalities, the public sector pension fund Keva and the Republic of Finland. The Group’s balance sheet totals over EUR 50 billion.

MuniFin builds a better and more sustainable future with its customers. Our customers include municipalities, joint municipal authorities, wellbeing services counties, joint county authorities, corporate entities under the control of the above-mentioned organisations, and affordable social housing. Lending is used for environmentally and socially responsible investment targets such as public transportation, sustainable buildings, hospitals and healthcare centres, schools and day care centres, and homes for people with special needs.

MuniFin’s customers are domestic but the company operates in a completely global business environment. The company is an active Finnish bond issuer in international capital markets and the first Finnish green and social bond issuer. The funding is exclusively guaranteed by the Municipal Guarantee Board.

Read more: https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/

Important Information

The information contained herein is not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into any such country or jurisdiction or otherwise in such circumstances in which the release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, any securities or other financial instruments in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

This communication does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The notes have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or under the applicable securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

The MIL Network –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI: Municipality Finance issues GBP 14,6 million notes under its MTN programme

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Municipality Finance Plc
Stock exchange release
7 February 2025 at 10:00 am (EET)

Municipality Finance issues GBP 14,6 million notes under its MTN programme

Municipality Finance Plc issues GBP 14,6 million notes on 10 February 2025. The maturity date of the notes is 10 February 2026. The notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.30% per annum.

The notes are issued under MuniFin’s EUR 50 billion programme for the issuance of debt instruments. The offering circular, the supplemental offering circular and the final terms of the notes are available in English on the company’s website at https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/for-investors.

MuniFin has applied for the notes to be admitted to trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange maintained by Nasdaq Helsinki. The public trading is expected to commence on 10 February 2025.

Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc acts as the dealer for the issue of the notes.

MUNICIPALITY FINANCE PLC

Further information:

Joakim Holmström
Executive Vice President, Capital Markets and Sustainability
tel. +358 50 444 3638

MuniFin (Municipality Finance Plc) is one of Finland’s largest credit institutions. The company is owned by Finnish municipalities, the public sector pension fund Keva and the Republic of Finland.
The Group’s balance sheet totals over EUR 50 billion.

MuniFin builds a better and more sustainable future with its customers. MuniFin’s customers include municipalities, joint municipal authorities, wellbeing services counties, corporate entities under their control, and non-profit organisations nominated by the Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland (ARA). Lending is used for environmentally and socially responsible investment targets such as public transportation, sustainable buildings, hospitals and healthcare centres, schools and day care centres, and homes for people with special needs.

MuniFin’s customers are domestic but the company operates in a completely global business environment. The company is an active Finnish bond issuer in international capital markets and the first Finnish green and social bond issuer. The funding is exclusively guaranteed by the Municipal Guarantee Board.

Read more: https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/

Important Information

The information contained herein is not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into any such country or jurisdiction or otherwise in such circumstances in which the release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, any securities or other financial instruments in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

This communication does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The notes have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or under the applicable securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

The MIL Network –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI: Aki Rahunen appointed Innofactor’s CFO

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Innofactor Plc Stock Exchange Release – Changes in Board/Management/Auditing February 7, 2025, at 9:30 Finnish time

Innofactor’s Board of Directors has appointed Aki Rahunen as the CFO for Innofactor Group, and he will assume the position no later than May 8, 2025. Rahunen is currently serving as the CFO of Avidly. Previously, Rahunen has held the position of CFO at Fluido, among others. M.Sc. (Econ.) Rahunen will become a member of Innofactor’s Executive Board in his role as the CFO and will report to the Group’s CEO Sami Ensio.

“I am excited about my new role at Innofactor. It is great to join this journey. I believe that with my broad experience, I can support Innofactor’s business and help Innofactor continue on the path of profitable growth,” says Aki Rahunen.

“I am very pleased that we have Aki joining our team. He has exactly the right kind of practical expertise for Innofactor’s new strategic phase. I am convinced that in his role as CFO, Aki will further develop Innofactor’s financial management and support our business leadership in achieving our business goals,” says CEO Sami Ensio.

Espoo, February 7, 2025

INNOFACTOR PLC

Sami Ensio, CEO

Additional information:
Sami Ensio, CEO
Innofactor Plc
Tel. +358 50 584 2029
sami.ensio@innofactor.com

Distribution:
NASDAQ Helsinki
Main media
www.innofactor.com

Innofactor
Innofactor is the leading driver of the modern digital organization in the Nordic Countries for its about 1,000 customers in commercial and public sector. Innofactor has the widest solution offering and leading know-how in the Microsoft ecosystem in the Nordics. Innofactor has about 600 enthusiastic and motivated top specialists in Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway. The Innofactor Plc share is listed in the technology section of the main list of NASDAQ Helsinki Oy. www.innofactor.com #AIDriven #PeopleFirst #CreatingSmiles #BeTheRealYou

The MIL Network –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Foreigners enjoy China’s improved mobile payment

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

Tourists from France enjoy a soup dumpling at Yuyuan Garden Mall in Shanghai, east China, Jan. 21, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Foreign visitors in China experienced a smoother, more convenient travel environment during this year’s Spring Festival, thanks to improvements to the country’s mobile payment systems.

The latest data from the People’s Bank of China shows that the volume of transactions made by international tourists during the Chinese New Year holiday, which ran from Jan. 28 to Feb. 4 this year, surged significantly from last year. The total number of cross-border transactions processed by China UnionPay and NetsUnion Clearing Corporation increased 124.54 percent, and the total transaction value grew 90.49 percent.

This jump in payment activity reflects not only the growing appeal of China as a travel destination but also the seamless integration of mobile payment systems for foreign visitors.

In cities like Shanghai, foreign tourists can now use international credit cards or mobile payment apps such as Alipay for shopping, dining and sightseeing, which allowed tourists to enjoy the cultural experiences on offer fully during the Chinese New Year.

German tourist Carla Uhrmacher, who visited the famous Yuyuan Garden in the eastern Chinese metropolis of Shanghai, was impressed by the ease with which she could use her mobile payment app to buy traditional Chinese crafts and souvenirs. “Whether using Visa or Mastercard, or mobile payment systems, it’s all very seamless,” she noted, highlighting how accessible these payment methods are for international visitors.

This Spring Festival saw an increase in payment transactions and a significant rise in the number of foreign visitors to China. Inbound arrivals during this year’s Spring Festival hit a record high, with a 150 percent year-on-year leap reported, Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, told a press conference on Wednesday, citing data from third-party platforms.

While popular destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou continued to attract large numbers of foreign travelers during the holiday, cities like Suzhou, Xi’an, Chengdu and Xiamen emerged as new favorites for international tourists using mobile payment services, Alipay data shows.

This surge in international visitors can be largely attributed to China’s ongoing efforts to enhance its payment services for foreigners. The country has made it easier for international travelers to use their foreign credit cards by allowing them to link these cards directly to popular Chinese mobile payment platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay.

An increasing number of international e-wallets are now also supported for use in China. Alipay, for example, now allows users to link 13 different overseas e-wallets from countries like the Philippines, Thailand and Singapore.

Though cashless payment services have improved significantly, foreign tourists can also take advantage of a network of nearly 70,000 bank branches, 320,000 ATMs, and currency exchange facilities across the country.

This year’s Spring Festival also saw a notable increase in foreigner spending, particularly in cities like Beijing, where tourists from various countries flocked to shopping areas such as Qianmen Street to purchase souvenirs, local teas and trendy clothing.

This spending boom is backed by figures, with the number of transactions made by foreign visitors on WeChat increasing 134 percent compared to last year’s Spring Festival, and with the total spent via Alipay rising 150 percent during the first five days of the holiday. These figures reflect not only the convenience of mobile payments but also the growing enthusiasm of foreign tourists to purchase Chinese goods and immerse themselves in local culture.

An increasingly open China is becoming an even more attractive destination for international tourists as Chinese New Year is celebrated globally, and as payment services continue to improve, analysts in China have noted. And these improved payment experiences will make China travel even smoother and more enjoyable for international visitors.

MIL OSI China News –

February 7, 2025

MIL-OSI: Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. – Completion of Shenandoah SS-2H ST1 stimulation

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd.

Completion of Shenandoah SS-2H ST1 stimulation

07 February 2025 – Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. (TSXV: FO, AIM: FOG) is pleased to announce the completion the Shenandoah S2-2H ST1 (“SS-2H ST1”) stimulation in the Beetaloo Sub-basin, Northern Territory, Australia with Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Limited’s joint venture partner, Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited.

Key Highlights

Successfully completed 35 stages across the 1,671-metre (5,483-feet) horizontal section of the Amungee Member B-shale with the Liberty Energy (NYSE: LBRT) modern stimulation equipment.
Stimulation activities achieved five stages over a 24-hour period on multiple days.
The average proppant intensity was 2,706 pounds per foot (lb/ft) and achieved wellhead injection rates above 100 barrels per minute.
The average stage spacing is 48-metres (~157-feet).
The SS-2H ST1 well will be completed ahead of clean out activities and the commencement of initial flow back and extended production testing.
Further updates on the completion of the Shenandoah South 4H (SS-4H) well will be provided in due course.

Philip O’Quigley, CEO of Falcon commented:

“We are extremely encouraged about the potential of the current stimulation program based on strong gas shows and other data observed whilst drilling. In addition, the experienced US operator, Liberty Energy, have shown the efficiencies they can achieve which will provide us with the greatest opportunity for the best possible outcomes from this stimulation program. We look forward to updating the market on the IP30 flow test results as soon as they become available.”
Ends.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd.	+353 1 676 8702
Philip O’Quigley, CEO	+353 87 814 7042
Anne Flynn, CFO	+353 1 676 9162

Cavendish Capital Markets Limited (NOMAD & Broker)
Neil McDonald / Adam Rae	+44 131 220 9771

This announcement has been reviewed by Dr. Gábor Bada, Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd’s Technical Advisor. Dr. Bada obtained his geology degree at the Eötvös L. University in Budapest, Hungary and his PhD at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands. He is a member of AAPG.

About Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd.

Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd is an international oil & gas company engaged in the exploration and development of unconventional oil and gas assets, with the current portfolio focused in Australia. Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd is incorporated in British Columbia, Canada and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.

Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Limited is a c. 98% subsidiary of Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd.

For further information on Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. Please visit www.falconoilandgas.com

About Beetaloo Joint Venture (EP 76, 98 and 117)

Company	Interest
Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Limited (Falcon Australia)	22.5%
Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited	77.5%
Total	100.0%

Shenandoah South Pilot Project -2 Drilling Space Units – 46,080 acres¹

Company	Interest
Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Limited (Falcon Australia)	5.0%
Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited	95.0%
Total	100.0%

¹Subject to the completion of the SS2H ST1 and SS4H wells on the Shenandoah South pad 2.

About Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited
Tamboran (B1) Pty Limited (“Tamboran B1”) is the 100% holder of Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited, with Tamboran B1 being a 50:50 joint venture between Tamboran Resources Corporation and Daly Waters Energy, LP.

Tamboran Resources Corporation, is a natural gas company listed on the NYSE (TBN) and ASX (TBN). Tamboran is focused on playing a constructive role in the global energy transition towards a lower carbon future, by developing the significant low CO₂ gas resource within the Beetaloo Basin through cutting-edge drilling and completion design technology as well as management’s experience in successfully commercialising unconventional shale in North America.

Bryan Sheffield of Daly Waters Energy, LP is a highly successful investor and has made significant returns in the US unconventional energy sector in the past. He was Founder of Parsley Energy Inc. (“PE”), an independent unconventional oil and gas producer in the Permian Basin, Texas and previously served as its Chairman and CEO. PE was acquired for over US$7 billion by Pioneer Natural Resources Company.

Advisory regarding forward-looking statements
Certain information in this press release may constitute forward-looking information. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking information. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “projects”, “dependent”, “consider” “potential”, “scheduled”, “forecast”, “outlook”, “budget”, “hope”, “suggest”, “support” “planned”, “approximately”, “potential” or the negative of those terms or similar words suggesting future outcomes. In particular, forward-looking information in this press release includes, details on the completion of the stimulation of SS-2H ST1; Liberty Energy conducting the stimulation campaign; and commencement of initial flow back and extended production testing and updates on SS-4H.

This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. The risks, assumptions and other factors that could influence actual results include risks associated with fluctuations in market prices for shale gas; risks related to the exploration, development and production of shale gas reserves; general economic, market and business conditions; substantial capital requirements; uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of reserves and resources; extent of, and cost of compliance with, government laws and regulations and the effect of changes in such laws and regulations; the need to obtain regulatory approvals before development commences; environmental risks and hazards and the cost of compliance with environmental regulations; aboriginal claims; inherent risks and hazards with operations such as mechanical or pipe failure, cratering and other dangerous conditions; potential cost overruns, drilling wells is speculative, often involving significant costs that may be more than estimated and may not result in any discoveries; variations in foreign exchange rates; competition for capital, equipment, new leases, pipeline capacity and skilled personnel; the failure of the holder of licenses, leases and permits to meet requirements of such; changes in royalty regimes; failure to accurately estimate abandonment and reclamation costs; inaccurate estimates and assumptions by management and their joint venture partners; effectiveness of internal controls; the potential lack of available drilling equipment; failure to obtain or keep key personnel; title deficiencies; geo-political risks; and risk of litigation.

Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive and that these factors and risks are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. Falcon assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to Falcon. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in Falcon’s filings with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedarplus.com, including under “Risk Factors” in the Annual Information Form.

Any references in this news release to initial production rates are useful in confirming the presence of hydrocarbons; however, such rates are not determinative of the rates at which such wells will continue production and decline thereafter and are not necessarily indicative of long-term performance or ultimate recovery. While encouraging, readers are cautioned not to place reliance on such rates in calculating the aggregate production for Falcon. Such rates are based on field estimates and may be based on limited data available at this time.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The MIL Network –

February 7, 2025

MIL-OSI: Progress in customer activity as well as core banking activities continued, and credit quality remained strong – Record-high net profit of DKK 23.6 billion, improving return on equity to 13.4%

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Press release Danske Bank
Bernstorffsgade 40
DK-1577 København V
Tel. + 45 45 14 14 00

7 February 2025

Progress in customer activity as well as core banking activities continued,
and credit quality remained strong
Record-high net profit of DKK 23.6 billion, improving return on equity to 13.4%
Dividend of DKK 9.35 per share for the second half of 2024 as well as an extraordinary dividend of DKK 5.35 per share, in total DKK 14.7 per share
The Board of Directors has decided to initiate a new share buy-back programme of DKK 5 billion

Danske Bank has announced its financial results for 2024.
Carsten Egeriis, Chief Executive Officer, comments on the financial results:

“For Danske Bank, 2024 was a year in which we consistently delivered positive results from quarter to quarter, driven by increased customer activity, continually strong credit quality and a sustained, dedicated effort from the entire organisation. Consequently, we maintained our positive commercial momentum, resulting in a solid financial performance.

One year into the execution of our Forward ’28 strategy, we have made substantial progress within our technology transformation and customer engagement, and we can see that our investments in enhancing the customer experience have resulted in increasingly positive customer satisfaction scores.

Our continued focus on cost discipline and on maintaining strong credit quality resulted in two upward adjustments of our financial guidance in 2024. On the basis of our strong financial results and solid capital position, the total distribution in 2024 amounts to 100% of net profit, thus honouring the commitment we have made to our shareholders.

With our advanced customer offerings, deep expertise and solid financial position, Danske Bank is strongly positioned to create value for customers, shareholders and society. In a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, rapid technological shifts and increasing sustainability challenges, we will continue to focus on opportunities and solutions for households and businesses alike.”

The annual report is available at www.danskebank.com. Highlights are shown below:

2024 vs 2023
Total income of DKK 56.4 billion (up 8%)
Operating expenses of DKK 25.7 billion (up 1%)
Loan impairments of DKK -543 million (2023: DKK 262 million)
Net profit of DKK 23.6 billion (up 11%)
Return on shareholders’ equity of 13.4% (2023: 12.7%)
Strong capital position, with a CET1 capital ratio of 17.8% (2023: 18.8%). The ratio reflects strong capital generation and the full deduction of the announced 40% additional capital distribution.
Solid progress towards Forward ’28 ambitions and 2026 targets
2024 was the first full year of our Forward ’28 strategy, and we are well-positioned for future growth as we maintain our trajectory towards strengthening our position as a leading bank in the Nordic region and make significant investments in our customer offerings.

For personal and private banking customers, with Forward ’28, a sharpened focus in each of our markets has allowed us to further strengthen our relations with existing customers and attract new ones. For business and institutional customers, we want to be a leading bank in the markets in which we operate. Our approach focuses on meeting evolving market demands while fostering high long-term customer and employee satisfaction.

Significant progress with our technology transformation paved the way for a better customer experience and improved efficiency. In 2024, we made substantial progress in terms of using digitalisation, data, AI and technology to improve customer engagement while reducing costs and operational risks. We developed a new version of our District online banking platform that is tailored to small businesses and is expected to launch in Denmark in the first half of 2025. We also launched a new welcoming app that makes it both easier and faster to become a personal customer with us.

Across the bank, we have made GenAI a strategic priority, and our GenAI-powered solutions offer key opportunities to unlock productivity gains. During 2024, we launched DanskeGPT, which has been adopted by almost 16,000 users across the organisation, corresponding to 74% of all employees. We have also deployed GenAI-powered tools for our software developers, and these tools are driving solid productivity improvements.

In 2024, Danica developed its new commercial strategy, Forward ’28 – Danica, which aims to make Danica the preferred pension company in Denmark by 2028. The strategy, which took effect on 1 January 2025, focuses on the importance of making customer interactions with Danica easy and convenient through digital solutions and on offering comprehensive healthcare offerings, attractive returns and quality advice. These elements are expected to be key growth drivers over the next few years. The strategy aligns with the strategic direction set in Danske Bank’s Forward ’28 strategy, underscoring the significant potential in synchronising services between the bank and the pension business.

As the success of our strategy relies on solid execution, we have a significant focus on our employees, supported by investments in development activities, leadership and the workplace. Employee satisfaction and engagement scores continued to improve from already high levels and are now above the industry benchmark.

Sustainability is a key focus area in Forward ’28, and our ambition is to be a leading Nordic bank in terms of supporting the sustainability transition of customers, businesses and the Nordic societies that we are a part of. Our efforts are reinforced by new ESG advisory services, comprehensive staff training, recruitment of specialists and strategic partnerships, all aimed at supporting our customers’ sustainability transition. In line with European regulation, for the 2024 annual report, Danske Bank has prepared a sustainability statement in accordance with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS).

Better-than-expected macroeconomic conditions
Macroeconomic conditions developed more favourably than expected in the markets in which we operate. Especially in Denmark, the inflation and growth outlook improved during the year, and this development is forecast to continue as central banks continue their easing trajectories, leading to lower rates for both households and businesses. Although the growth outlook has improved broadly speaking in the Nordic region, the uncertainty related to Europe’s long-term growth prospects and ability to innovate persists.

In times of uncertainty for both Danske Bank and our customers, our well-capitalised balance sheet has enabled us to be a strong financial partner for our customers, and we have continued to support them with risk management expertise and expert advice.

Strong financial performance
An improved commercial momentum in our business, supported by better-than-expected macroeconomic conditions and strong credit quality have enabled us to strengthen profitability and generate record-high net profit. The return on equity thus increased from 12.7% to 13.4%, highlighting our positive trajectory and progress towards our 2026 targets.

In 2024, total income grew 8%, driven by a sustained uplift in core banking income. Despite central bank rate cuts and lower deposit margins as well as overall muted credit demand, net interest income showed the expected strong development, with increasing net interest income throughout the year. Net fee income continued the positive traction throughout the year, reflecting our overall strong development and ability to do more business with existing customers and to attract new customers. We saw a higher level of fee income from cash management products, and customer activity generally remained high. Furthermore, we saw an increase in investment fees generated by strategic investments in our private banking offerings as well as a strong development in fees from asset management.

Net trading income remained stable, and net income from insurance business benefited from stable financial markets, with the health and accident business continuing to be challenged, however.

Operating expenses developed according to plan and were at the same level as in 2023. The minor year-on-year increase was caused mainly by higher investments in our technology transformation made under our Forward ’28 strategy and staff costs that were impacted by wage inflation. Costs related to financial crime prevention and legacy remediation decreased in line with our plan for a normalisation of costs, and together with prudent cost management, this led to an improvement in the cost/income ratio to 46% from 49%.

Loan impairment charges amounted to a net reversal of DKK 543 million, reflecting strong credit quality and modest impairments against single-name exposures coupled with a review of post-model adjustments. We continue to apply significant post-model adjustments as well as a scenario-based macroeconomic model to cater for potential tail risks that are not evident in our portfolio. Overall, the macroeconomic environment improved during 2024 and was characterised by lower inflation, lower interest rates and an enhanced growth momentum.

Overall, we ended the year with the same positive momentum that we saw in the first nine months of 2024. This resulted in record-high net profit of DKK 23.6 billion, up 11% from 2023.

“The first year of execution of our Forward ’28 strategy, 2024 was an important year for Danske Bank’s financial performance: With income growth driven by our growing core income as well as our continued efforts to support customers and drive the commercial momentum, net profit represents a record-high result,” says Stephan Engels, Chief Financial Officer.
We continue to create value to the benefit of our customers, our shareholders and society: Our tax expense amounted to DKK 7.6 billion, and given our strong capital position, and in line with the Forward ’28 strategy, the financial year 2024 enables us to make a significant payout to our shareholders.

Delivering on capital distribution
Given our strong balance sheet, and as planned in the Forward ’28 strategy, the financial year 2024 yields a significant payout to our shareholders. We paid a dividend of DKK 7.50 per share in connection with the interim report for the first half of 2024, and we propose a dividend of DKK 9.35 per share for the second half of 2024 as well as an extraordinary dividend of DKK 5.35 per share. Furthermore, on 6 December 2024, we announced a special dividend of DKK 6.50 per share following the successful transfer of the personal customer business in Norway. In total, our distribution for 2024 amounts to DKK 28.70 per share.

It remains crucial for us to create value for all our stakeholders, including our shareholders, customers, employees and the societies we are part of, and as a bank we need to attract capital from shareholders to lend and do business. Besides large institutional investors, our capital distribution benefits most major pension funds in Denmark as well as private individuals in Denmark, who have invested part of their savings in Danske Bank shares. In total, we have more than a quarter of a million investors, of which more than half are private individuals in Denmark.

Danske Bank’s dividend policy for 2025 remains unchanged, targeting a dividend payout of 40-60% of net profit in the form of annual dividend payments.

Share buy-back
The share buy-back programme launched in February 2024 of DKK 5.5 billion was completed in January 2025.

On the basis of the financial results for 2024, the Board of Directors has decided to initiate a new share buy-back programme of DKK 5 billion, taking the total payout ratio to 100% of net profits when including the dividend for 2024 but excluding the special dividend related to the transfer of the personal customer business in Norway. The programme, which has been approved by the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority, will start on 10 February 2025.

Outlook for 2025
We expect net profit for 2025 to be in the range of DKK 21-23 billion.
The outlook is subject to uncertainty and depends on economic conditions.

Download the Annual Report as zip here.

Danske Bank

Contact: Helga Heyn, Head of Media Relations, tel. +45 45 14 14 00

More information about Danske Bank’s financial results is available at www.danskebank.com/reports.

Attachments

The MIL Network –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN signs a book of condolence at the German Embassy in Jakarta

Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, this morning visited the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Republic of Indonesia to sign the condolence book, following the passing of H.E. Prof. Dr. Horst Köhler, former President of the Federal Republic of Germany, on 1 February 2025.

The post Secretary-General of ASEAN signs a book of condolence at the German Embassy in Jakarta appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

MIL OSI Economics –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Foreign visitors experience China’s mobile payment environment

Source: China State Council Information Office

Tourists from France enjoy a soup dumpling at Yuyuan Garden Mall in Shanghai, east China, Jan. 21, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Foreign visitors in China experienced a smoother, more convenient travel environment during this year’s Spring Festival, thanks to improvements to the country’s mobile payment systems.

The latest data from the People’s Bank of China shows that the volume of transactions made by international tourists during the Chinese New Year holiday, which ran from Jan. 28 to Feb. 4 this year, surged significantly from last year. The total number of cross-border transactions processed by China UnionPay and NetsUnion Clearing Corporation increased 124.54 percent, and the total transaction value grew 90.49 percent.

This jump in payment activity reflects not only the growing appeal of China as a travel destination but also the seamless integration of mobile payment systems for foreign visitors.

In cities like Shanghai, foreign tourists can now use international credit cards or mobile payment apps such as Alipay for shopping, dining and sightseeing, which allowed tourists to enjoy the cultural experiences on offer fully during the Chinese New Year.

German tourist Carla Uhrmacher, who visited the famous Yuyuan Garden in the eastern Chinese metropolis of Shanghai, was impressed by the ease with which she could use her mobile payment app to buy traditional Chinese crafts and souvenirs. “Whether using Visa or Mastercard, or mobile payment systems, it’s all very seamless,” she noted, highlighting how accessible these payment methods are for international visitors.

This Spring Festival saw an increase in payment transactions and a significant rise in the number of foreign visitors to China. Inbound arrivals during this year’s Spring Festival hit a record high, with a 150 percent year-on-year leap reported, Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, told a press conference on Wednesday, citing data from third-party platforms.

While popular destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou continued to attract large numbers of foreign travelers during the holiday, cities like Suzhou, Xi’an, Chengdu and Xiamen emerged as new favorites for international tourists using mobile payment services, Alipay data shows.

This surge in international visitors can be largely attributed to China’s ongoing efforts to enhance its payment services for foreigners. The country has made it easier for international travelers to use their foreign credit cards by allowing them to link these cards directly to popular Chinese mobile payment platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay.

An increasing number of international e-wallets are now also supported for use in China. Alipay, for example, now allows users to link 13 different overseas e-wallets from countries like the Philippines, Thailand and Singapore.

Though cashless payment services have improved significantly, foreign tourists can also take advantage of a network of nearly 70,000 bank branches, 320,000 ATMs, and currency exchange facilities across the country.

This year’s Spring Festival also saw a notable increase in foreigner spending, particularly in cities like Beijing, where tourists from various countries flocked to shopping areas such as Qianmen Street to purchase souvenirs, local teas and trendy clothing.

This spending boom is backed by figures, with the number of transactions made by foreign visitors on WeChat increasing 134 percent compared to last year’s Spring Festival, and with the total spent via Alipay rising 150 percent during the first five days of the holiday. These figures reflect not only the convenience of mobile payments but also the growing enthusiasm of foreign tourists to purchase Chinese goods and immerse themselves in local culture.

An increasingly open China is becoming an even more attractive destination for international tourists as Chinese New Year is celebrated globally, and as payment services continue to improve, analysts in China have noted. And these improved payment experiences will make China travel even smoother and more enjoyable for international visitors.

MIL OSI China News –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: France, Japan, U.S. Partner in Multi-Large Deck Event in Philippine Sea

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

PHILIPPINE SEA –

U.S. forces will participate in Exercise Pacific Steller 2025, a multi-large deck event (MLDE) hosted by the French Navy in the Philippine Sea beginning Feb. 8. The exercise will involve ships from the U.S. Navy’s Vinson Carrier Strike Group (VINCSG), the French Carrier Strike Group, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

This MLDE is designed to advance coordination and cooperation between French, Japanese and U.S. maritime forces while simultaneously demonstrating capabilities in multi-domain operations, promoting a shared dedication to regional stability, and highlighting the U.S. Navy’s enduring power projection capability.

“Pacific Steller 2025 allows us to practice seamless integration with our French and Japanese allies in a multi-domain environment,” said Rear Adm. Michael Wosje, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1. “Coordinated operations between USS Carl Vinson, FS Charles De Gaulle, and JS Kaga strengthen our alliances and deter our adversaries. Together, we seek to maintain an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, free of all forms of coercion, and we’re excited to work alongside our allies and partners who share that vision.”

The U.S.-France alliance is built on a legacy of shared interests, values, and a commitment to freedom and human rights.

“It is a great opportunity for the French Carrier Strike Group to cooperate with our partners in the Indo-Pacific during the whole deployment. While France is a resident nation of the Indo-Pacific, it has not deployed its CSG to this part of the world for a long time,” said Rear Adm. Jacques Mallard, commander, French CSG. “Since January 14, the aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle, based in Toulon more than 6000 miles from here, is sailing in a different area. There is no doubt that PACIFIC STELLER will ramp up to a new level of interoperability for our three navies and represents a challenge that we are more than eager to take up alongside Japanese and US partners.”

The most recent MLDE in the Indo-Pacific occurred in August 2024 between the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and the Italian Navy aircraft carrier ITS Cavour (CVH 550). The event marked the first MLDE conducted between the U.S. and Italian navies in the Indo-Pacific region.

“Our routine integration aims to showcase our partnership and demonstrate our ability to work together with our French and Japanese allies,” said Capt. Matthew Thomas, commanding officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). “Pacific Steller 2025 is one of many exercises with the goal to enhance the maritime security of the Indo-Pacific region. As the flagship of CSG-1, Carl Vinson stands ready and looks forward to participating alongside Charles De Gaulle and Kaga.”

MLDEs are conducted in a manner that is consistent with international law and with due regard to the safety of navigation and the rights and interests of other states.

Participating large-deck ships include the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), the French carrier FS Charles De Gaulle, and Japan’s Izumo-class multi-functional destroyer JS Kaga (DDH-184).

CSG-1 consists of Carl Vinson, embarked staffs of CSG-1 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) one, Carrier Air Wing 2 (CVW) 2, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59), and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Sterett (DDG 104) and USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110).

CVW-2 is composed of nine squadrons flying the F-35C Lightning II, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growler, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, CMV-22 Osprey and MH-60R/S Seahawks.

French Carrier Strike Group consists of Charles De Gaulle, its embarked French Strike Force staff and carrier air wing, an air-defense destroyer, multi-mission frigates, a supply ship, an attack submarine, and a detachment of Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft.

The French carrier air wing flies the Rafale Marine (F4) fighter aircraft, E-2C Hawkeye, and Dauphin, Caiman Marine, and Panther helicopters.

The French Carrier Strike Group is currently engaged in Mission CLEMENCEAU 25, sailing alongside its allies and strategic partners to promote a free, open and stable Indo-Pacific space for the benefit of French populations, interests, and those of their regional partners, within the framework of international law.

The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

For more news from CSG-1 and Carl Vinson visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CSG1, https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CVN70

MIL Security OSI –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: The XIV Siberian Tournament of Young Physicists was held at NSU

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

From January 29 to February 2, schoolchildren from the Novosibirsk Region, Moscow, Ufa, and Tyumen “fought” in team physical battles. In the Budker Large Physics Auditorium in the main building of NSU (Pirogov, 2), 22 teams that made it to the finals examined physics problems that were not typical for the school curriculum from three different angles over several days.

TUF is a personal and team competition of senior schoolchildren in the ability to solve complex research and scientific problems, convincingly present their solutions, and defend them in scientific discussions – physical battles.

— In Russia, the Tournament of Young Physicists has been held since 1979. The first competitions in Siberia were held in 1990. That tournament did not last long. In 2012, the Siberian Tournament of Young Physicists was held. It was held according to the same rules that we play by to this day. The tournament is absolutely open to everyone, so guests from other regions always come to us. This year, in addition to Novosibirsk and regional teams, there were teams from Moscow, Ufa and Tyumen. Mostly, high school students in grades 9-11 participate in the tournament, but there are also guys in grades 7-8 who are interested in physics in the teams, — said Mikhail Solodovnikov, President of the Public Movement “Tournament of Young Physicists”.

For the team to participate in the tournament, the coach must submit an application and confirm that his team has solved at least 5 problems. The list of problems at SibTUF consists of 10 problems.

The participants demonstrated a high level of preparation and professionalism in the competition, which was held according to traditional rules. The teams prepared solutions to the problems in advance, distributing roles: one group acted as a speaker, another as an opponent, and a third as a reviewer.

The final part of the competition was a fascinating confrontation between the three strongest teams. The panel of judges included representatives of the Physics Department and other departments of Novosibirsk State University, as well as teachers of the Specialized Educational and Scientific Center of NSU.

The winner of the final of the competition was the team “Beavers” from the Municipal Budgetary Educational Institution “Gymnasium No. 4” of the city of Novosibirsk. The second place was taken by the team “Physicon-1”, consisting of students from schools of the Iskitimsky district, including the villages of Lebedevka and Talmenka, as well as the city of Iskitim. The third place, slightly behind the leader, was taken by the team “DIO-GEN”, representing WITH specialized educational and scientific center of NSU and other schools in the city of Novosibirsk.

— I have been participating in “young” tournaments for the past five years. From the 7th to the 9th grade, I played in the TYuE (Young Naturalists Tournament), and from the 9th to the 11th grade, in the TYuF. This tournament was our first face-to-face appearance in such a line-up. It happens that from year to year, children in a team do not change much, but this is not our case. Therefore, during the qualifying battles, we learned how to interact with each other correctly. And I think we learned For me, this is the main result of the tournament — the team is happy, we love each other and the tournament. At the final, to be honest, everything did not go exactly according to plan right away, so even after the victory we … We were not very happy. But this will pass, and warm memories will remain) Our team is strong enough to survive this with dignity and draw the right conclusions. It will be better from now on, — shared her impressions Anastasia Litvinova, a member of the “Bobry” team.

— Participants of the tournament of young physicists receive a lot of knowledge and skills that help them not only in their studies, but also in their future life. Naturally, the first thing is a different understanding of physics from school. Each team member faces a new type of problems for him, which do not have a clear answer. This is real research work! Teamwork. For a successful result, it is necessary to be able to competently compose work within the team. This develops a number of competencies in the child: communication, leadership, cooperation and self-confidence. The tournament is also an opportunity to see the work of a research fellow in action, to try it on yourself. After all, the path that a schoolchild goes through when solving a tournament problem is very similar to work in research institutes, — said Anastasia Kutepova, junior research fellow at ITAM SB RAS, responsible for the work of the judging teams of SibTUF, and also the coach of the DIO-GEN team.

In addition to competencies and experience, TUF winners and prize winners receive bonuses for further education:

– First-degree winners receive 10 points for their entrance exams to NSU.

– 2nd and 3rd place winners receive 7 points for admission.

– Schoolchildren in grades 8-10 receive invitations to the summer school of the NSU SUNC based on the results of the individual championship.

According to the President of SibTUF, the tournament will not only not lose its relevance in the coming years, but, on the contrary, will gain great popularity due to the global development of technologies and interest in science. The advantage of physics is that it has a very compact, but at the same time effective apparatus of natural-scientific knowledge of nature. The apparatus that was formed in Ancient Greece, then by Newton and the classics of modern physics, remains very compressed and convenient. The number of formulas is growing, but the principles of observation, experiment, confirmation of theoretical hypotheses, creation of new theories based on experiments – all this remains, and therefore, interest in physics remains:

— We live in a technological age, but we must not forget that the hardware of information technologies is created by physicists. If physicists do not create modern equipment, then specialists in the field of artificial intelligence, other information technologies, virtual reality technologies, simply will not be able to work. Physics continues to be the foundation of foundations and attracts even more interested people from among young people, — Mikhail Solodovnikov believes.

As part of the tournament of young physicists, excursions for schoolchildren and their teachers were held at the Physics Department of NSU. The tournament participants visited the laboratory of molecular physics and the laboratory of physical optics, and also watched unique physical demonstrations from active physicists – master’s students of the Physics Department of NSU. The highlight of the excursions was live communication with scientists of the department – schoolchildren were able to ask questions of interest to teachers of the Physics Department.

— Such open events with a physical focus allow children whose interests go beyond the school curriculum and computer games to develop their creative and scientific potential, express themselves, receive feedback from professionals in the physical field and visit the university they may enter in the future, — said a junior researcher at the Institute of Hydrodynamics SB RAS and a first-year master’s student Physics Department of NSU Alexander Paraskun, he conducted a demonstration of phenomena for schoolchildren.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI China: First French Mirage 2000 jets arrive in Ukraine

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

The first batch of Mirage 2000 fighter jets from France have arrived in Ukraine, said French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu on Thursday.

The fighter jets were flown by Ukrainian pilots who had been trained for several months in France, he said in a post on social media X.

However, Lecornu did not specify the number of the delivered or the total number of jets that France plans to deliver to Ukraine.

According to the French daily Le Monde, the French Air Force owns only a limited number of fighters — 26 Mirage 2000-5 jets out of around 200 Mirage and Rafale aircraft.

These fighters barely suffice for France to carry out all the missions for which it is responsible on a day-to-day basis, Le Monde said.

On June 6, 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would provide Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine.

MIL OSI China News –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Aiming for a Clean, Decarbonized Society with Panasonic HX: Shigeki Yasuda

Source: Panasonic

Headline: Aiming for a Clean, Decarbonized Society with Panasonic HX: Shigeki Yasuda

Trailblazer in Building the Foundation of the Hydrogen Business
Shigeki Yasuda
Global Environmental Business Development CenterPanasonic Corporation
Shigeki Yasuda joined the company in 2003, specializing in fuel cell technology development. In 2010, he was assigned to Germany, where he contributed to introducing fuel cells to the European market. In 2024, he assumed his current position, working on implementing a demonstration facility to power factories with renewable energy and building the business foundation for Panasonic HX.

Pioneering the First Overseas Integration of Three Types of Energy Sources
Since May 2024, I have been working in the UK on implementing a demonstration facility that powers factories with renewable energy and building the business foundation for Panasonic HX*¹. My mission is to advance the first overseas integration of pure hydrogen fuel cell generators, photovoltaic generators, and storage batteries. This involves (1) introducing a demonstration facility to Panasonic Manufacturing UK Ltd., (2) building the business foundation for future social implementation, and (3) developing new markets for fuel cells overseas.＊1: The name Panasonic HX represents Panasonic’s energy solutions utilizing hydrogen. We propose a new option for the full-scale use of hydrogen (H), which has a low environmental impact, and are determined to contribute to the transformation (X) to a decarbonized society through collaboration (X) with partner companies, administrations, and business customers.

This is a CG image symbolizing the Panasonic HX. It is not a facility that actually exists.

In December 2024, Panasonic introduced its first overseas demonstration facility in the UK, leveraging 25 years of expertise in fuel cell technology to supply factories with electricity and thermal energy using hydrogen. This facility serves as a showcase for co-creation with partner companies, governments, and business customers to pursue a decarbonized society while laying the foundation for Panasonic’s hydrogen business. Utilizing hydrogen as a clean energy source is crucial in addressing global environmental challenges through decarbonization. This demonstration, which enables factories to be powered by renewable energy, marks a significant step toward broader social implementation.
We are also working to apply the data and know-how gained from the demonstration in the UK to future projects. The main challenges we faced in this initiative were: (1) a lack of knowledge about construction processes in the UK, requiring us to navigate everything from scratch and quickly resolve various unforeseen issues, (2) difficulties in discussing with the design firm regarding safety design, highlighting the need to raise awareness of hydrogen safety, and (3) the complexity of collaborating with local partners, as failing to align expectations at the contract stage made it difficult to proceed as planned.

In overcoming these challenges, the most invaluable support came from the persistence of our colleagues, especially the assistance from Japan. With only three core members leading the launch, we sometimes found ourselves stuck in rigid thinking and faced moments of isolation. However, the strong support from Japan reassured us, allowing us to stay positive even when obstacles arose. Everyone was united in the determination to see it through, and even the faintest glimmer of hope helped us find a path forward.

Leading the Way Until Success is Achieved

Staying at the forefront is important when it comes to enhancing competitiveness. Doing so lets us quickly gather customer feedback and gain an advantage through our products and services. In this process, it is essential to embrace the Customer Focus principle of always thinking from a customer’s perspective, as advocated by PLP*2.Having spent my career in technology, my work often remained within that sphere. However, stepping outside and engaging directly with customers made me realize how vastly different cultures can be. From my experience in the UK, I am convinced that the key to enhancing competitiveness lies in rapidly iterating the PDCA cycle to integrate customer feedback into business development. Recently, I have also come to appreciate the importance of a two-way approach—effectively communicating the value of hydrogen while actively listening to our customers.＊2: Panasonic Leadership Principles are a set of behavioral guidelines for each and every employee to follow in their efforts to put the Basic Business Philosophy into practice.
Our top priority is to enhance the competitiveness of the three-battery integration, make it a unique, industry-leading solution and develop it into a robust product and service. We are dedicated to advancing Panasonic’s strengths and will first introduce it to the environmentally advanced European market before expanding it globally in the future.

I have been involved in fuel cell development since joining Panasonic. I take great pride in playing a role in the practical application of hydrogen, a clean energy source, in society. My dream is to help build a foundation where hydrogen is a natural part of everyday life, ensuring that future generations can live comfortably in a sustainable environment.
This demonstration is merely the starting point. With a strong sense of responsibility as a frontrunner, I will continue moving forward alongside our customers until we fully realize the value we aim to deliver.

MIL OSI Economics –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Maltese students celebrate Chinese Spring Festival with temple fair

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

Students watch a puppet show during the Chinese Spring Festival temple fair in Zejtun, Malta, on Feb. 6, 2025. The campus of St. Thomas More College’s middle and secondary school in Zejtun, southeastern Malta, came alive with festive cheer on Thursday as students experienced the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional Chinese Spring Festival temple fair. Co-organized by the China Cultural Center in Malta and the Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Center, the event attracted over 500 students and teachers. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/Xinhua)

The campus of St. Thomas More College’s middle and secondary school in Zejtun, southeastern Malta, came alive with festive cheer on Thursday as students experienced the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional Chinese Spring Festival temple fair.

Co-organized by the China Cultural Center in Malta and the Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Center, the event attracted over 500 students and teachers.

The temple fair opened with a dynamic lion dance performance, where the rhythmic drumbeats and agile movements of the lions captivated the audience. Students gathered in circles, their eyes fixed on the mesmerizing display as they erupted in enthusiastic applause.

Traditional puppet shows and shadow plays, featuring puppets dressed in exquisite Chinese theatrical costumes, further enchanted the crowd. Many students were introduced to these art forms for the first time and eagerly tried their hands at manipulating the puppets and shadow figures under the guidance of Chinese artists.

Students also lined up to create intricate sugar paintings and craft red Chinese lanterns, blending creativity with tradition. Meanwhile, the aroma of Chinese tea lingered in the air as they paused to savor its rich flavors.

“This event provided a cherished opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture through its most important traditional festival,” Adrian Galea, head of the school, told Xinhua. “Such exchanges are invaluable in broadening their perspectives and fostering mutual understanding.”

Yuan Yuan, director of the China Cultural Center in Malta, highlighted the significance of the Spring Festival, which symbolizes reunion, harmony, and hope.

“Through cultural exchange events like this, we hope more Maltese youth will become ambassadors of friendship between our two nations,” she said.

MIL OSI China News –

February 7, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: An ‘earthquake swarm’ is shaking Santorini. It could persist for months

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dee Ninis, Earthquake Scientist, Monash University

Greece’s government has just declared a state of emergency on the island of Santorini, as earthquakes shake the island multiple times a day and sometimes only minutes apart.

The “earthquake swarm” is also affecting other nearby islands in the Aegean Sea. It began gradually with numerous very minor (less than magnitude 3) and mostly imperceptible earthquakes in late January. However, at the start of February, the seismic activity intensified as the quakes became larger and more frequent.

So far, several thousand quakes have been recorded in the last two weeks. As many as 30 a day have been above magnitude 4.0 – most of them at less than 10km depth, which is large and shallow enough to be felt by people living on local islands.

These larger earthquakes have resulted in rock falls along the islands’ coastal cliffs, as well as minor damage to vulnerable buildings. The largest earthquake so far was magnitude 5.1 on February 6, which was also felt in the capital city, Athens, as well as in Crete and in parts of Turkey more than 240km away.

Usually a popular tourist destination, Santorini is now virtually empty. Over the past week, some 11,000 holidaymakers and locals have left the island, with many fearing the seismic activity may presage a volcanic eruption.

So how exactly does an “earthquake swarm” happen? And what might happen in the coming days and weeks?

No stranger to earthquakes

This area of the world is no stranger to earthquakes. Greece is one of the most seismically active regions in Europe.

The current seismic activity is located near Anydros, an uninhabited islet about 30km northeast of Santorini. This region lies within the volcanic arc of the “Hellenic subduction zone”, where the African tectonic plate is slowly sliding beneath the Eurasian plate (and specifically the Aegean microplate). The region hosts volcanoes as well as numerous weak zones in the crust – what earth scientists often call “faults”.

Santorini itself is a mostly submerged caldera – a crater formed as a result of volcanic activity over the past 180,000 years, with its last eruption in the 1950s. Earthquakes can be connected to volcanic activity – specifically, the movement of magma beneath the surface.

However, this earthquake sequence is not located beneath Santorini. And local scientists monitoring Santorini have reported no change to indicate the current seismic activity is a forerunner of another Santorini eruption. Instead, the earthquakes appear to align with faults lying between Santorini and the neighbouring island Amorgos.

Nearby faults are known to have produced earthquakes before. For example, in 1956, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake here also produced a damaging tsunami and was soon followed by a magnitude 7.2 aftershock. More than 53 people died as a result of this earthquake and the aftershock and tsunami. Many more were injured.

Earthquakes, shown as coloured circles, of the January-February 2025 Anydros swarm, near Santorini, Greece (Source: seismo.auth.gr) and known active faults, depicted as black lines (Source: https://zenodo.org/records/13168947).
Dee Ninis & Konstantinos Michailos

No single stand-out event

Tectonic earthquakes occur when accumulating stress in Earth’s crust is suddenly released, causing a rupture along a fault and releasing energy in the form of seismic waves.

Typically, moderate to major earthquakes (known as mainshocks) are followed by smaller quakes (known as aftershocks) that gradually diminish in magnitude and frequency over time. This is what seismologists call the mainshock–aftershock sequence.

Some sequences behave differently and do not exhibit a single stand-out event. Instead, they involve multiple earthquakes of a similar size that take place over days, weeks, or even months. These types of sequences are what seismologists call “earthquake swarms”.

The 1956 earthquake was a mainshock–aftershock sequence, with aftershocks lasting at least eight months after the mainshock. However, the current ongoing seismic activity near Santorini, at least as of February 7, features thousands of earthquakes, many with magnitudes ranging between 4.0 and 5.0.

This suggests it is most likely an earthquake swarm.

Earthquake swarms are often associated with fluid movement in the earth’s crust and the resulting seismic activity is usually less dramatic than the sudden movement of a strong mainshock.

Seismologists are interested in distinguishing between mainshock–aftershock sequences and earthquake swarms as it can help them better understand the processes that drive these phenomena.

A larger quake is still possible

We cannot predict exactly what will come from the earthquake activity near Santorini. Global observations of earthquakes tell us that only a small fraction (about 5%) of earthquakes are foreshocks to larger earthquakes.

That said, there could still be a possibility that a larger and potentially damaging earthquake could occur there soon.

Although swarms typically involve earthquakes of lower magnitudes, they can last for days to weeks, or persist for months. They can even slow down, and then intensify again, unsettling locals with intermittent ground shaking.

Dee Ninis works at the Seismology Research Centre, is Vice President of the Australian Earthquake Engineering Society, and a Committee Member for the Geological Society of Australia – Victoria Division.

Konstantinos Michailos does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. An ‘earthquake swarm’ is shaking Santorini. It could persist for months – https://theconversation.com/an-earthquake-swarm-is-shaking-santorini-it-could-persist-for-months-249278

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Former Federal Juror Sentenced to 30 Days for Contempt of Court

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Hagatña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendant, Gregorio Concepcion Tyquienco, age 72, was sentenced on February 4, 2025, in the District Court of Guam to 30 days imprisonment followed by one year of supervised release for Contempt of Court, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 401(3). The Court ordered Tyquiengco to pay $1,537.04 as restitution (representing the fees and mileage paid to him as a juror during a trial), a $2,000 fine, and a mandatory $25 special assessment fee.

Tyquienco was a juror in the trial of United States vs. Raymond John Martinez and Juanita Marie Quitugua Moser in the District Court of Guam. Between October 11, 2018, and December 27, 2018, Tyquienco knowingly disobeyed the Court’s instruction not to discuss the case with anyone outside of the jury’s deliberative process. During the trial, and prior to jury deliberation, Tyquienco discussed what verdict he would render with brothers William Topasna Mantanona and John T. Mantanona, aka “Boom.” Tyquienco knew Boom was working as a member of the defense team. He knew Boom previously but did not disclose the association to the Court. Tyquienco was asked by William and Boom to be the jury foreman and to issue a “Not Guilty” verdict regardless of the evidence. These discussions violated the clear and specific daily orders of the Honorable Frances Tydingco-Gatewood, Chief Judge, District Court of Guam. After a mistrial was declared, Boom met with Tyquiengco and gave him $1,100 in cash.

“Jury tampering is an affront to the Rule of Law,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “Our citizens and the accused expect fair legal proceedings that result in justice. Jurors and witnesses make great sacrifices to fulfil this important civic duty. This case sends a message that the Department of Justice will hold accountable those who violate this public trust.”

“The integrity and impartiality of jurors and their deliberations are essential to our criminal justice system,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter. “Those who tamper with this important civic responsibility attempt to deny our communities the justice they deserve. As reflected by this investigation, the FBI is committed to protecting our legal processes and will bring to justice those who act to corrupt it.”

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rosetta L. San Nicolas in the District of Guam.

MIL Security OSI –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: An ‘earthquake swarm’ is shaking Santorini. It could persist for months

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Dee Ninis, Earthquake Scientist, Monash University

Greece’s government has just declared a state of emergency on the island of Santorini, as earthquakes shake the island multiple times a day and sometimes only minutes apart.

The “earthquake swarm” is also affecting other nearby islands in the Aegean Sea. It began gradually with numerous very minor (less than magnitude 3) and mostly imperceptible earthquakes in late January. However, at the start of February, the seismic activity intensified as the quakes became larger and more frequent.

So far, several thousand quakes have been recorded in the last two weeks. As many as 30 a day have been above magnitude 4.0 – most of them at less than 10km depth, which is large and shallow enough to be felt by people living on local islands.

These larger earthquakes have resulted in rock falls along the islands’ coastal cliffs, as well as minor damage to vulnerable buildings. The largest earthquake so far was magnitude 5.1 on February 6, which was also felt in the capital city, Athens, as well as in Crete and in parts of Turkey more than 240km away.

Usually a popular tourist destination, Santorini is now virtually empty. Over the past week, some 11,000 holidaymakers and locals have left the island, with many fearing the seismic activity may presage a volcanic eruption.

So how exactly does an “earthquake swarm” happen? And what might happen in the coming days and weeks?

No stranger to earthquakes

This area of the world is no stranger to earthquakes. Greece is one of the most seismically active regions in Europe.

The current seismic activity is located near Anydros, an uninhabited islet about 30km northeast of Santorini. This region lies within the volcanic arc of the “Hellenic subduction zone”, where the African tectonic plate is slowly sliding beneath the Eurasian plate (and specifically the Aegean microplate). The region hosts volcanoes as well as numerous weak zones in the crust – what earth scientists often call “faults”.

Santorini itself is a mostly submerged caldera – a crater formed as a result of volcanic activity over the past 180,000 years, with its last eruption in the 1950s. Earthquakes can be connected to volcanic activity – specifically, the movement of magma beneath the surface.

However, this earthquake sequence is not located beneath Santorini. And local scientists monitoring Santorini have reported no change to indicate the current seismic activity is a forerunner of another Santorini eruption. Instead, the earthquakes appear to align with faults lying between Santorini and the neighbouring island Amorgos.

Nearby faults are known to have produced earthquakes before. For example, in 1956, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake here also produced a damaging tsunami and was soon followed by a magnitude 7.2 aftershock. More than 53 people died as a result of this earthquake and the aftershock and tsunami. Many more were injured.

Earthquakes, shown as coloured circles, of the January-February 2025 Anydros swarm, near Santorini, Greece (Source: seismo.auth.gr) and known active faults, depicted as black lines (Source: https://zenodo.org/records/13168947).
Dee Ninis & Konstantinos Michailos

No single stand-out event

Tectonic earthquakes occur when accumulating stress in Earth’s crust is suddenly released, causing a rupture along a fault and releasing energy in the form of seismic waves.

Typically, moderate to major earthquakes (known as mainshocks) are followed by smaller quakes (known as aftershocks) that gradually diminish in magnitude and frequency over time. This is what seismologists call the mainshock–aftershock sequence.

Some sequences behave differently and do not exhibit a single stand-out event. Instead, they involve multiple earthquakes of a similar size that take place over days, weeks, or even months. These types of sequences are what seismologists call “earthquake swarms”.

The 1956 earthquake was a mainshock–aftershock sequence, with aftershocks lasting at least eight months after the mainshock. However, the current ongoing seismic activity near Santorini, at least as of February 7, features thousands of earthquakes, many with magnitudes ranging between 4.0 and 5.0.

This suggests it is most likely an earthquake swarm.

Earthquake swarms are often associated with fluid movement in the earth’s crust and the resulting seismic activity is usually less dramatic than the sudden movement of a strong mainshock.

Seismologists are interested in distinguishing between mainshock–aftershock sequences and earthquake swarms as it can help them better understand the processes that drive these phenomena.

A larger quake is still possible

We cannot predict exactly what will come from the earthquake activity near Santorini. Global observations of earthquakes tell us that only a small fraction (about 5%) of earthquakes are foreshocks to larger earthquakes.

That said, there could still be a possibility that a larger and potentially damaging earthquake could occur there soon.

Although swarms typically involve earthquakes of lower magnitudes, they can last for days to weeks, or persist for months. They can even slow down, and then intensify again, unsettling locals with intermittent ground shaking.

Dee Ninis works at the Seismology Research Centre, is Vice President of the Australian Earthquake Engineering Society, and a Committee Member for the Geological Society of Australia – Victoria Division.

Konstantinos Michailos does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. An ‘earthquake swarm’ is shaking Santorini. It could persist for months – https://theconversation.com/an-earthquake-swarm-is-shaking-santorini-it-could-persist-for-months-249278

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £35.709 million green light for major A647/A6120 Dawsons Corner Stanningley Bypass scheme
Source: City of Leeds

Today the Department for Transport has given the green light of £35.709 million funding to enable Leeds City Council to make improvements to the Dawsons Corner junction and complete joint replacement work on the Stanningley Bypass.

This forms part of a £42.679 million total package with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority of £6.970m and contribution from the council.

Changes to the junction will reduce congestion and delays helping to support economic growth across Leeds and Bradford. The reduction in congestion will also lead to a better environment in terms of improved air quality. Improvements are also planned to see better traffic flow, with bus journey times also reduced and improved safer crossing facilities for cyclists and pedestrians.

The scheme was granted planning permission in October 2022 and business case was submitted in March 2024 with preparatory ground investigation work underway and the safety critical repair works to Stanningley ByPass have been on-going since May 2021.

All the third party land required to build the scheme has been purchased. Subject to contractor approvals the main works are planned to start later this year take up to 15 months to complete.

The scheme will:-
- Provide pedestrian and cycling facilities at the Dawsons Corner junction linking in with the Leeds Bradford Cycle Superhighway
- Improved bus facilities with dedicated bus lanes on the A647 Bradford Road
- Widen the carriageway on the A6120 Ring Road to improve the junction and accommodate a shared pedestrian / cycle route
- Widen the A647 Stanningley Bypass to accommodate additional traffic lanes
- Replace joints on the A647 Stanningley Bypass to mitigate potential road traffic collisions thereby enabling the current 50mph speed limit to be kept; and
- Provide landscape mitigation for the enlarged site at Dawsons Corner.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: “I am delighted with the news that the Department for Transport £35.709 million funding has been granted. The need to improve Dawsons Corner junction has been a major priority for some time. It’s important not only to improve traffic flow and air quality, but also support essential links to future housing growth and developments and for people to be able to access jobs more easily with consistent travel times.

“Alongside the recent junction improvements to Fink Hill, Dyneley Arms, the Armley Gyratory and A6120 routes, together with the M621 National Highways works that remain vital for keeping our city moving and directing traffic away from the city centre.”

The Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said: “Road users in Leeds and Bradford have experienced slow speeds on the A647 for too long, discouraging people from using local buses on the road.

“We’re giving this vital scheme the green light, and providing £35m, which will improve local journeys in Yorkshire and boost the economy beyond.”

Cllr Peter Carlill, Deputy Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, said: “It’s great to support this scheme and see it secure further funding to help improve transport so that people can get around more easily.

“This will help us create a greener, better-connected region through improved walking and cycling routes, cleaner air, safer roads, and reduced traffic congestion.”

Katie Day, Deputy Chief Executive at Transport for the North, said: “We welcome this investment which will deliver vital maintenance work, improving safety and reliability for people and businesses using Dawsons Corner and Stanningley bypass.

“As every journey involves a road at some point, our highways need to be safe, resilient and efficient to enable economic growth.”
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
February 7, 2025

Category: European Union

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Updates to this page

No stranger to earthquakes

No single stand-out event

A larger quake is still possible

No stranger to earthquakes

No single stand-out event

A larger quake is still possible